Do I Need Planning Permission for a Drive

Guidance specific to Scotland only.

If your proposed drive or driveway meets the following criteria you would not require planning permission.

Is constructed in a porous material or provision made to drain surface water off the drive into drainage within the property boundary.

Is located between the house and road bounding the road.

Is not within a conservation area.

Is not within the boundary of a listed building.

Permission may be required from your local councils roads department for dropped kerb access.

You should always check with your local planning department or architectural service provider prior to carrying out any works. Find an Architect, Architectural Technician, or Planner to help with your project on Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help Pages.

If your proposed drive or driveway does not meet the above criteria you will need to apply for planning permission. More information on applying for planning permission below.

What is required for a drive or driveway planning application?

Scottish legislation requires specific information is provided for all planning applications. A planning application for drive or driveway should consist of the following information.

A description of the proposed development.

Details of the applicant and owners.

The required fee. (where applicable)

Ordnance survey based location plan.

Block plan/site plan.

Existing plans and elevations.

Proposed floor plans and elevations.

Details on proposed materials and colours.

Supplementary information as required for your specific project.

Your local architectural service provider will be able to individually assess your specific requirements. Find an Architect, Architectural Technician, or Planner to help with your project on Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help Pages.

If you are considering lodging your own planning application you can submit your planning application online at the Scottish government’s e-planning website. Submitting your planning application online can save time and money. The e-planning website will also provide you with a checklist of information required for your application. Visit the Scottish government’s e-planning website to get started.

Planning permission for a drive or driveway costs £202 (from 1st November 2014). This fee is payable to your local council.

You may be asked to pay additional fees for advertising your planning application, normally in a local newspaper. This can happen when the planning department cannot find contact details for neighbours that are required to be notified or when neighbouring land has no buildings on. This fee varies but is normally around £110. The planning department will notify you if this is required.

The fee for architectural drawings varies depending on your individual requirements. Find an Architect, Architectural Technician, or Planner to help with your project on Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help Pages.

How long does planning permission take?

Planning permission can take between 6-8 weeks for a decision. Your planning application can be refused if found to be unsuitable. A decision may take longer if your proposals are complex or further information is required.

Most councils allow you to track the progress of your application on-line. You can also see if anyone has commented on your proposals. Visit Do I Need Permissions view planning applications in my area page to find your local planning department website.

If you are considering lodging your own planning application you can submit your planning application online at the Scottish government’s e-planning website. Submitting your planning application online can save time and money. Visit the Scottish government’s e-planning website to get started.

How is my planning application decided?

Your application will be allocated to a planning officer. They may visit your property and consider comments from the public or other relevant bodies and take account of the Development Plan and other national policy and advice. Some applications will be decided by members of a planning committee. Your local council will delegate some decision making to your allocated planning officer. The planning department will notify you of how it intends to decide your application and of the decision.

Your planning application can be refused. If your application is refused you have a right to request either.

An appeal to Scottish Ministers.

Or a review by the planning departments local review board.

Only one of these options will be available depending on your specific application. The option available to you will be explained in early correspondence from the planning department and once your application has progressed and a decision has been made. If you are unsure you should contact your local planning department or architectural service provider for advice.

With any appeal or review you will be required to provide valid reasons or supporting information as to why your application should be approved.

How long does planning permission last?

Planning permission is valid for 3 years from the date of approval. Works should be started within this time period.

Your planning approval will become invalid if you do not start your project within this time period. In some cases an extension may be granted. You should contact your local planning department should you wish to discuss extending your planning permission.

Guidance specific to England only.

Do I need planning permission for a drive or driveway?

If your proposed drive or driveway meet the following criteria you would not require planning permission.

Is constructed in a porous material or provision made to drain surface water off the drive into drainage within the property boundary.

Is not within a conservation area.

Is not within the boundary of a listed building.

Permission may be required from your local councils roads department for dropped kerb access.

If your proposed conversion does not meet the above criteria you will need to apply for planning permission. More information on applying for planning permission below.

Planning permission (where required) for a drive or driveway costs £172. This fee is payable to your local council.

This fee does not apply where adaptation are being made to enhance the access, comfort of a disabled person.

The fee for architectural drawings varies depending on your individual requirements. Find an Architect, Architectural Technician, or Planner to help with your project on Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help Pages.

What is required for a garage conversion planning application?

English legislation requires specific information is provided for all planning applications. A planning application for a garage conversion should consist of the following information.

A description of the proposed development.

Details of the applicant and owners.

The required fee. (where applicable)

Ordnance survey based location plan.

Block plan/site plan.

Existing plans and elevations.

Proposed plans, elevations and sections.

Details on proposed materials and colours.

Supplementary information as required for your specific project.

Your local architectural service provider will be able to individually assess your specific requirements. Find an Architect, Architectural Technician, or Planner to help with your project on Do I Need Permissions Who Can Help Pages.

If you are considering lodging your own planning application you can submit your planning application online at the government’s online planning website. Submitting your planning application online can save time and money. The online planning website will also provide you with a checklist of information required for your application. Visit the Planning Portal website to get started.

How much does a drive or driveway cost?

Disclaimer

Do I Need Permission provides free planning permission, building regulation & cost advice for home improvement projects. The planning permission & building regulation advice is written to suit Scottish & English planning & building regulations. This website is intended as an introductory guide. Although great care has been taken in the preparation of this website Do I Need Permission is not responsible for any errors contained within it. View our full terms & conditions.

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